Aachen, Germany - RWTH Aachen University has wrapped the first construction phase of its new Photonics Cluster, and celebrated with a topping-out ceremony on August 26, 2015.
Project partners for the Photonics Cluster include the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), RWTH Aachen Campus GmbH, ante4c GmbH, and Landmarken AG (project developer). As one of six initial clusters, the Photonics Cluster on the Melaten Campus is an essential component in the campus' overall development process.
During the topping-out ceremony, Aachen Mayor Margrethe Schmeer emphasized the significance of the campus for the city as a scientific location and economic boon, as it will attract new companies to set up business there. Construction of the RWTH Aachen Campus in the west of the city is creating one of the largest technologically oriented research landscapes in Europe, which will be home to no fewer than 19 different clusters once completed.
Prof. Reinhart Poprawe, director of Fraunhofer ILT, invoked Aachen’s standing as an internationally renowned laser technology location for manufacturing industry. And this reputation will only be enhanced in the future, when topics such as laser material processing, laser measurement technology, medical engineering, and optical beam sources will be researched and developed in the around 7000 m2 of laboratory and office space in the first cluster building.
The Photonics Cluster specializes in researching and developing techniques designed to generate, shape, and harness light, particularly as an industrial manufacturing tool. Industrial companies looking to conduct research and development in the field of optical technologies in close cooperation with RWTH Aachen and Fraunhofer ILT will move into the cluster’s first building complex.
Approximately 120 scientists will commence research work during the cluster’s starting phase. The Photonics Cluster will then be expanded in several construction stages until it eventually houses a total of around 40,000 m2 of research space.
For more information, please contact Christian Hinke at [email protected].